Dear colleagues and friends,

It is a great honor for NPC China to host the 7th IBSA General Assembly & the IBSA Technical Conference in Beijing, China 7-12 June, 2005. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to participate in the meetings.

With the rapid development of the international sports of persons with disabilities, more and more persons with visual impairment have overcome their physical challenges and created miracles in the international competitions one after another. During the Athens Paralympic Games that was completed not long before, blind athletes have made great contributions to the success of the Games. Their unremitting spirit has won the admiration of the world.

There are over 8 million persons with visual impairment in China. It is the obligation of the government and the society to respect their equal rights and improve their living status so that they can enjoy the fruits of socio-economical growth. China Disabled Persons Federation and China Paralympic Committee have attached great importance to developing sports of blind persons and have achieved gratifying progress. I feel proud of and satisfied with the achievements we have made.

China is a nation with over 5,000 years of civilization. As the capital city, Beijing will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008. During the General Assembly and Technical Conference, we will discuss together about the strategic development of international sports of blind persons. You can also take the opportunity to learn the long history and sparkling culture as well as modern vitality of Beijing, experience the friendship and hospitality of the Chinese people in their aspiration for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

My colleagues and I will spare no efforts to stage a successful meeting. We earnestly look forward to your participation.

With best wishes,

Wang Xinxian
President
China Paralympic Committee